Srilanka, May 15 -- The Trade Ministry has taken urgent measures to import sufficient stocks of salt in response to a developing shortage in the market, with shipments expected to arrive within the week, officials confirmed.

Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Chairman Hemantha Samarakoon told the media today that while salt remains a daily necessity for households, it has not been officially declared an essential consumer item under current regulations. Nonetheless, the Authority retains the legal authority to monitor the market, conduct raids and take legal action against traders who fail to display the maximum retail prices or those engage in hoarding.

"We became aware of stockpiling concerns through both media reports and public compl...